GEORGE MASON CLAIMS SERIES FINALE 4-2 ON SUNDAY AT THE DIAMOND

RICHMOND, Va. – The VCU Baseball team suffered a 4-2 setback to George Mason in the series finale on Sunday afternoon at The Diamond.

The Rams overall record now stands at 17-15, including a 6-9 mark in CAA play, while George Mason improves to 22-11 and 9-6 in the league.

"I thought George Mason did a great job of executing when we gave them the chances early in the game and that was the difference today," said VCU head coach Paul Keyes. "We had some late chances, but just couldn't seem to come away with the hits when we needed them. It was their weekend, they did a great job of making the plays or coming away with the big hits when they need them, so a lot of credit goes out to George Mason."

After being held scoreless in Saturday's contest, the Rams pulled ahead early tallying the game's first run in the bottom of the first inning. Sophomore outfielder Bill Cullen swung on Mason pitcher A.J. Johnson's first offering, and sent the ball over the left fielder's head for a leadoff triple. The Colonial Heights, Va., native now has eight triples on the season, which matches the VCU single-season record for triples. A groundout to the second baseman by junior infielder Jordan Weymouth allowed Cullen to score and gave VCU a 1-0 advantage.

The Patriots did all of their damage in the top of the fourth inning, pushing across four runs in the frame off three hits. It would be all the offense George Mason would need the rest of the way.

The Rams cut the lead to two in the bottom of the seventh inning, as sophomore Chris Ayers led the inning off with a single through the left side. Following a strikeout, senior catcher Nick Abrahamson laced a single to right field to put runners on first and second. Senior outfielder Paul Nice drew a free pass on a hit-by-pitch to load the bases for the Rams. Cullen followed with a sacrifice fly to center, which allowed Ayers (pictured right) to score and cut the deficit to 4-2.

The Rams were unable to overcome the deficit, despite outhitting George Mason for the second day in a row.

VCU freshman pitcher Heath Dwyer suffers the loss for the Rams, while Johnson notched the victory for the Patriots.

The Rams will continue play at The Diamond this Tuesday, with a non-conference matchup against VMI at 6 p.m.